Under the 1988 Road Traffic Act, NHS hospitals may charge drivers involved in road traffic accidents an Emergency Treatment Fee for any casualties requiring immediate treatment. The current charges are £21.30 for each person in the car who needs emergency treatment.

The driver would not usually be asked to pay at the time, but may receive a bill in the post. If you do have to pay these charges, make sure you get a receipt. You can claim the cost back from your vehicle insurance company.

Hospitals can also claim from insurers where casualties require longer term treatment. Hospitals can charge up to a maximum of £2,949 for those needing in patient care and up to £295 for out patient treatment. These charges are collected directly from insurers in cases where the insurer makes a payment to an injured third party.